In a forthcoming survey of 3, 000 americans by Thomson Reuters, 57 per cent said diet programmes affected their diet. Forty-nine percent of respondents said TV programs would have a positive impact on the obesity epidemic.

‘it’s not a big surprise,’ said David Just, a behavioral economist at Cornell university. “Television is a social tool,” he said. “This is a window into what others are doing.”

Life habits are often social. Just explain that if people around you have been working out at the gym, it seems normal. If everyone on TV is losing weight, it could be a new norm – at least a new one.

“It makes you feel like I can do it if they can,” said Marci Crozier of valparaiso, the biggest loser in season 11. She lost 75 pounds during the season, and so far she has kept her goal.

Ray Fabius, chief medical officer at Thomson Reuters healthcare, said: “these TV shows have made it possible for those who are overweight to see a return to normal weight. “This is the biggest potential impact of these programs,” he said. In addition to “the biggest loser”, the survey also asked the other two real weight series, including Jacqueline Werner (Jackie Warner) “Bravo Theintervention” and “I used to be fat” MTV.

The survey showed that in addition to the most influential viewers, low-income groups were more likely to be attracted to information on weight-loss shows. Sixty-eight percent of those who earn less than $25, 000 a year say the programs have influence. The number of people making more than $100,000 a year fell to 53%.

This may be because wealthier people are more likely to gain weight loss resources, Just said. They may get help from doctors, health counselors or even personalized trainers.

Regardless of your weight, these weight-loss programs are filmed in a way that allows you to instantly connect with the contestants’ stories, become emotional and lay the groundwork for them. I know I am.